Assist with HIV/AIDS awareness work and help medical professionals provide support to their patients

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Join our HIV/AIDS internship in Ghana and gain medical work experience while supporting people affected by the disease.

You’ll work with medical professionals and assist them as they treat patients at a hospital and during outreaches. This work will give you a deeper insight into the healthcare challenges people struggle with in developing countries like Ghana.

With the high number of HIV/AIDS-related deaths in Ghana, the disease has become a major public health concern. We need your help to reduce the number of infections through raising awareness about the disease. We’re also focused on reducing the stigma toward people affected by HIV/AIDS.

You’ll be based in the beautiful capital city of Accra, and live a local host family who will welcome you as their own. In your free time, you can enjoy the beaches, go sightseeing, or hike through one of the nature reserves.

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Flexi Trips > Ghana > HIV/AIDS

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Volunteers / Interns

ChildrenAges 3-14(reduced price)

Children aged 3-14 must be accompanied by at least one adult paying full price

We offer discounts for families and groups of friends travelling together. Call us on 01273 007 230 for more info.

Please note this calculator is for pricing information only. You will need to choose your final dates and duration on our application form.

Personalised MyProjectsAbroad website, with all the information you need about your project, accommodation and destination

A free cultural awareness course

Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch

Support to help you complete registration or internship documents, if applicable

What's not included?

Flights

Visa costs (where applicable)

Is HIV/AIDS work in Ghana right for me?

If you are looking to learn more about HIV/AIDS work in Ghana, while gaining practical medical experience, then our internship is ideal for you.

As you help treat and support people affected by HIV/AIDS, you’ll get a deeper insight into the healthcare challenges they face every day. You’ll also witness the discrimination they have to cope with.

This internship is a good starting point if you are pursuing a career in the medical or healthcare field, or if you are just considering the possibility. No experience is required to join. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, and you’ll work under supervision. You can also reach out to Projects Abroad staff at any time for help and guidance.

Please note that this work can become difficult emotionally, so you need to be prepared.

This internship runs all year round, so you can join on dates that fit your schedule. You can join for a little as one week. We encourage you to stay longer so you can see and do more.

What will I do on the HIV/AIDS internship in Ghana?

As an intern on the HIV/AIDS internship, you’ll shadow and assist medical staff at a teaching hospital. Here are a few of the tasks you’ll be expected to do during your placement:

Sit in on counselling sessions as the medical staff consult with their patients

Gain experience working in various departments within the hospital

Run HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns at communities and schools

Your work will focus on the following areas:

Sit in on counselling sessions as the medical staff consult with their patients

As an intern, you’ll get the chance to observe medical professionals at a local hospital. You’ll observe as they provide counselling to patients before and after they have had their HIV/AIDS test. Through this, you’ll learn how medical staff prepare patients for news that could be devastating. You’ll also help make sure that patients understand the treatment and options available to them if their test results are positive. You’ll also assist with counselling for HIV positive patients in the privacy of their own homes.

Gain experience working in various departments within the hospital

There are many different departments that you’ll have the chance to work in during your internship. You can observe and assist medical staff as they consult with HIV/AIDS patients receiving treatment in the antiretroviral therapy clinic. You could work in the diagnosis and testing unit where you’ll watch as staff test for the presence of HIV/AIDS in patients. You’ll also work with expectant mothers who have HIV/AIDS. They will be following a programme to prevent their baby from being infected.

All of your work here is supervised by medical professionals.

Run HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns at communities and schools

Prevention is critical. You’ll help run awareness campaigns in local communities and at various schools. There, you’ll educate the public and school children about HIV/AIDS. Most of the time, the community will not know what the disease is, or how it’s contracted.

There is often a stigma attached to this disease. Many people feel the need to keep their HIV/AIDS status a secret in order to avoid discrimination. You’ll provide communities with information about what HIV/AIDS is, educate them on how to prevent contraction, and try to eliminate any negative thoughts surrounding the disease.

What type of HIV/AIDS placements are available in Ghana?

As an intern, you’ll do HIV/AIDS awareness work in Ghana at a teaching hospital in the capital city of Accra. During your internship, you’ll work in the following departments:

Counselling unit

Antiretroviral therapy clinic

Prevention of mother to child transmission unit

Diagnosis and testing unit

Nutrition clinic

Where will I be completing my project in Ghana?

Accra

As an intern in Ghana, you’ll work at a teaching hospital and in disadvantaged communities around the city of Accra.

As the capital city of Ghana, Accra is a constant flurry of activity from locals and tourists going about their day. The city is teeming with history. It is central to many of the historical and touristic sites detailing the many aspects of the West African slave trade. Along many of the streets, you’ll find some of the best Ghanaian cuisine, colourful garments, and exquisite handcrafts.

AIRPORT PICKUP, FLIGHTS AND VISAS

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Ghana Arrival Procedures page.

What is a typical day on the HIV/AIDS internship like?

A typical day will be from 7.30am to 2pm, Monday to Friday. However, you are free to stay later and cover an afternoon shift if your supervisor has approved it.

Every day will be a learning experience as you walk through the teaching hospital. You’ll learn about the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Ghana and the stigma surrounding this virus. Through our support programmes, you’ll work directly with patients affected by the disease. You’ll learn how to test for HIV/AIDS and provide support to those receiving treatment. If the patients allow it, you’ll also get to sit in on counselling sessions before and after HIV testing. This can also include antenatal counselling sessions.

Once or twice a week, you’ll assist the hospital staff during community outreaches. You’ll travel to schools, care centres, and disadvantaged communities. There, you’ll run HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, and do basic health checks.

Once you are done for the day, you can head home to your host family.

Over the weekends, you can catch a “tro tro” bus or a grab a ride in a shared taxi to one of the many historical sites in the region. You can also go to a local restaurant or explore the nature and greenery in the mountainside of the nearby Akuapem Hills.

What are the aims and impact of the HIV/AIDS internship in Ghana?

The aim of this internship is to provide care and support to patients, and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

In Ghana, HIV/AIDS is a major public health concern. The disease is a leading cause of death in many parts of Africa.

With an increase in the number of AIDS cases, Ghana is now working towards finding a long-term, sustainable solution. With the help of interns like you, we are supporting these efforts.

As part of our long-term plan in Ghana, we are working towards the following goals:

Prevent new HIV infections

Raise awareness about the disease

Reduce the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS

Help us work towards healthier communities and reduce the rate of HIV/AIDS infections in Ghana by joining our HIV/AIDS internship today.

Management Plans

We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.

Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.

Measuring Our Impact

Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.

Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.

While volunteering in Ghana, I learned many skills that will help me with my future medical career. I was taught how to perform HIV and syphilis tests, CD4 counts, treat wounds, and to collect blood samples.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION

You'll stay with a host family in Accra, Akuapem Hills, Cape Coast, or Dodowa. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Ghana and have a truly unique experience.

We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND FREE TIME

Volunteering in Ghana is an ideal way to explore this colourful West African country. There’s a huge variety of different activities to do while you’re there, giving you plenty of exciting ways to spend your free time.

Music is a central part of Ghanaian culture. In the bigger towns, especially Accra, you will hear some great live bands and have some memorable nights out. Evenings spent at buzzing restaurants will also give you a taste of some of the delicious local cuisine.

For a look into Ghana’s history, you can tour the slave forts of Cape Coast and visit museums. Nature lovers will relish trekking through the rainforests of Kakum National Park or Mole National Park.

We run a wide range of projects in Ghana so there’s sure to be other volunteers there during your trip. This means you can explore the country solo or connect with other volunteers and travel as a group.

SAFETY AND STAFF SUPPORT

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Meet the team in Ghana

Emmanuel Abaaja

Country Director

Emmanuel took over as Director in Ghana in March 2012. He joined Projects Abroad back in 2002 after completing his national service as a teacher. Emmanuel was Regional Manager of the Akuapem Hills for 8 years from 2004. Emmanuel holds a BSc from Legon University in Accra. He is a very active member of his local church and a proud father to his two daughters.

Meet the team in Ghana

Shoshana Court

Operations Manager

Shoshana was born in Curaçao, a small island in the South Caribbean. She grew up in Ethiopia, Nepal, Chad, Bolivia, Colombia, India, Denmark, Chile, and the UK, before she settled in Ghana in 2011. She joined Projects Abroad Ghana in 2012 then took a break to return to Europe and start a family. She rejoined the team in Ghana in 2017. Shoshana holds a BA Honours in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Southampton University and an MSc in International Development from Bristol University in the UK. She enjoys travelling, photography, interior design, and finding time to read a good book.

Meet the team in Ghana

Rebecca Abuaku

Accounts and Administration Manager

Rebecca is based in our Head Office in Accra. She is responsible for all the accounts and administrative work generated by our Ghana programme. She grew up in Accra and holds a degree in Accounting and Management from a local university in Cape Coast. She used to work with an NGO as Human Resource Manger before joining Projects Abroad in January 2007.

Meet the team in Ghana

Enoch Tawiah Aggrey

Medical Project Manager

Enoch, originally from Cape Coast, is the Medical Project Manager of the Kumasi team. He has a degree in BA Nursing and Psychology from the University of Ghana. He worked at Kola Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra before joining Projects Abroad in October 2009.

Meet the team in Ghana

John Siisi Annan

Project Manager

John graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication science from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. He joined Projects Abroad in 2013 after many years working as a teacher, a broadcast journalist at a radio station, and a freelancer where he helped develop campaign strategies for many start-up companies. John is very active and plays basketball competitively. He also loves to read, write and perform poetry, and enjoy Accra’s vibrant nightlife.

Meet the team in Ghana

Grant Appiah

Our Cape Coast Regional Coordinator is 28-year-old Grant Appiah. Grant grew up in Cape Coast, and holds a BSc in Tourism from the town's University. He joined the Projects Abroad team in May 2003, and established many of the placements we now operate in this region. Grant meets all volunteers on arrival in Cape Coast and will then show you around the town on your induction.

Meet the team in Ghana

Princeley Kweku Bondzie

Princeley holds a Higher National Diploma in Tourism from the Cape Coast Polytechnic. He is responsible for all the placements and volunteers in the Akuapem Hills.

Meet the team in Ghana

Fynn Kusi Adjei

Fynn holds a first degree in Geography and Resource Development from University of Ghana, Legon- Accra. He is responsible for all the placements and volunteers in Accra. He has been working with Projects Abroad since November 2008.

Meet the team in Ghana

Richmo Domfeh

Assistant Manager

Richmond (known as Chief) has a High National Diploma in Electronic Engineering from Sunyani Polytechnic. He worked at Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly before joining Projects Abroad.

Meet the team in Ghana

Kwame Nyameror (Nyame)

Volunteer Coordinator

Kwame Nyameror, or Nyame as he is usually known has many duties including meeting volunteers at the airport and accompanying volunteers from Accra to the region where they will be living. He has also become our unofficial Twi teacher, and is always a smiling face around the Accra office.

Meet the team in Ghana

Ernest Adu

Ernest works with the Human Rights Office as an Assistant Programme Coordinator. He supervises the work of volunteers on Human Rights projects. Ernest has a Bachelor of Education Degree in Population Studies from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Meet the team in Ghana

Gertrude Tetteh

Gertrude completed a degree in Communication Studies and later furthered her education by attaining a diploma in Journalism. She is an outgoing and observant person and has been working for Projects Abroad since January 2015. When she is not in the office, Gertrude enjoys reading, listening to music and sightseeing.

Meet the team in Ghana

Richard Mensah Dugbenu

Medical Coordinator

Richard is the coordinator for the medical placements in Accra. He’s a qualified nurse with a degree from the University of Ghana. Richard will make sure everything regarding your medical placement and the medical outreaches in and around Accra runs smoothly.

Meet the team in Ghana

Gifty Ayaw Asante

Gifty is the Medical Coordinator in the Accra region. She holds a certificate as a Health Care Assistant. Gifty likes going out with friends in her free time.

Meet the team in Ghana

Agbo Famous Ampofo

Building Coordinator

Agbo is a native of Agbozume in the Volta Region and has two daughters and a son. He has been the Supervisor for our Building Project since 2005. He is very approachable and is always happy to meet volunteers at the building site. He speaks English, Ewe and Twi.

Meet the team in Ghana

Eric Ekow Ewusie

Assistant Regional Coordinator

Eric is from Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana. He has been working with Projects Abroad since 2010 and holds a Higher National Diploma in Tourism from the Cape Coast Polytechnic. Eric assists with all placements and volunteers in Cape Coast.

Meet the team in Ghana

Joseph Odoteye

Office Assistant

Joseph was born and raised in Accra, Ghana. He completed his studies in Statistics at Accra Polytechnic and he’s been with Projects Abroad since 2014. When he is not helping with volunteers or working, Joseph enjoys playing football and catching up with friends.

Meet the team in Ghana

Isaka Zibani

Office Security Guard

Isaka is our Office Guard. He guards the Head Office in Accra, and makes sure the surroundings are safe and calm at night. Isaka spends his free time with his wife and three lovely daughters when he is not working.

Meet the team in Ghana

Tatjana Kotschenreuther

Volunteer Advisor

Tatjana was born in Berlin, Germany. She has a degree in Education and has been living in Mexico since 2003. She previously worked as a volunteer coordinator at the Animal Care Centre in Guadalajara, and as a German teacher at different language schools. She joined the volunteer advisor team in May 2016. In her free time she likes to go to concerts or festivals, exercising, and enjoying nature.

Meet the team in Ghana

Imane Valsan

Volunteer Advisor

Imane was born in France. After studying history and literature, she decided to travel to Africa. She is always interested in discovering something new and started working for Projects Abroad in July 2015 as a Volunteer Advisor.

Meet the team in Ghana

Mirko Kolan

Volunteer Advisor

Born and raised in a small town of central Italy, Mirko studied HR training and development at the University of Rome. He travelled extensively and lived in the US, Mexico, Holland, Cyprus and South Africa. He joined Projects Abroad in March 2014 as Volunteer Advisor for Nepal and all Italian volunteers. Besides travelling, Mirko enjoys sport, nature and outdoor activities, photography and writing. His personal life motto is "dreams are made to be realised".

Meet the team in Ghana

Clem van der Merwe

Volunteer Advisor

Clem was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. With a creative and musical background and having previously worked in the film industry, he craved something more and stumbled upon Projects Abroad. Since then has been the Volunteer Advisor for Cambodia. He enjoys performing music live and growing his life in all areas.

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